Looks like a new Shaft Drive Tourer will be released in September this year. And it will have horizontal motor layout as pioneered by the Awesomatix.

More info available here with some small CAD thumbnails. Looks to have a gear diff, new 6 degree C-hubs and possibly short shocks. Here's the google translated blurb:

"TB-04" will finally appear. I adopt the layout of innovation overturned the stereotype that every motor drive shaft = vertical. I realize the "maneuverability and stable without the habit" advantage of the motor horizontally while "excellent driving efficiency and pickup of" advantage of the shaft.

Good results and to allow mounting the AMB transmitter from the main chassis bottom designed to tight, and layout that put first for use in Tamiya and Tamiya Grand Prix can be expected. It refines → 6 degrees 4 degrees, the suspension was also achieved a more natural, by a combination of (short) new development TRF damper further feeling the C-hub is an important point of handling.

I would love to see an Evo 6! I still use my Evo 4 in VTA, but it may be time to retire the old horse. The big question is if Tamiya would return to producing 2 top line cars, belt and shaft? My Visa card is ready and waiting.

That is not cool at all! All the inconveniences from the shaft architecture and the belt architecture in one car. Strange idea from Tamiya. Awesomatix tried it few months ago, and nobody's using this transversal tranmission...